Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will be hibernating my animals for the 1st time this year. Is there a set protocol I should be following prior to, and during hibernation? Also, I have a female that laid eggs a month or so ago and has yet to completely recover the weight loss. She's eating & hydrating just fine, just not puting the weight back on. Are there any techniques that I can use to quickly bump up her weight gain? Don't want to risk puting her into hibernation on the light side.

Thanks,
Roger

If you have had very little time with them I recommend against hibernation the first year. I normally do with new reptiles. Especially with the case of this female...if there is any question, just don't hibernate. Don't risk her health by trying to fatten her up fast now.

You can read a care sheet I have posted here:
http://repticzone.com/forums/HornedLizards/messages/856962.html

If you scroll down a ways, I give my protocol for hibernation.
FYI: In that section I advocate treatment for parasites before and after hibernation. We also recently discussed on this forum the subject of parasitic infestations and how to treat them, or whether to treat them. You may want to find that thread and review it. I have my way, but others made good suggestions on the matter as well that are to be considered.
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"A man that should call everything by it's right name, would hardly pass the streets without being knocked down as a common enemy." The Complete Works of George Savile, First Marquess of Halifax 1912,246

I don't necessarily disagree, but there are a couple of things to consider if you don't hibernate. Availability of ants is reduced in the winter time. I know I won't be providing ants all winter, but I believe antsalive does. As long as you can feed all winter it shouldn't be an issue. It may affect your HL's readiness to mate next season. That may or may not be a concern.
I'll relate my experience with some cornutum hatchlings last year. I had no intention to hibernate them based on some recommendations here, but my tank was big enough that there were cool sections in the tank. I had 4 cornutum hatchlings in this tank. All of them at various times found the cooler section of the tank and went down for 2 to 3 months each, all on their own. I did reduce the time the light was on during the winter, but not religiously so.
I find the best way to hibernate (read easiest) is to just leave them in an outdoor enclosure if you are in an area that has a climate somewhat similar to their native habitat. Obviously if it gets significantly colder outside where you live you would not want to consider this option. A basement or garage that does not get below 45 degrees or so could be a viable option.
It can be nice to have the break from feeding if you do put them down. Again, maybe not an issue for those who have only one or two lizards.
Hope this helps.
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